A
carrier pigeon is a breed of
pigeon (specifically a domesticated
Rock Pigeon,
Columba livia) that has
wattles, a nearly vertical stature, and that may once
have been used to carry messages. The carrier pigeons of
today are not good flyers; they are instead kept as an
ornamental or fancy breed, valued for their unusual
appearance. They are about 33 cm (about 13 in) in length,
with the male generally larger than the female.
Carrier Pigion
Carrier pigeons should not be confused with homing
pigeons, another variety of Columba livia. Homing pigeons,
not carrier pigeons, were used to carry messages in World
War I and World War II and are nowadays used for pigeon
racing.
The
Egyptians and the Persians first used carrier pigeons 3,000
years ago. They also were used to proclaim the winner of the
Olympics.
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